I get asked a lot whether organic makeup expires.
Men and women might have different opinions on makeup expiration dates and I’m going to try my best to explain what I believe makes the most sense in this article.
Does Organic Makeup Expire?
When you buy organic makeup, it’s important to note that it does have an expiration date. The good news is that there are ways to extend its shelf life.
Most traditional makeup will last for up to two years.
That’s because it contains preservatives and stabilizers such as parabens, which help prevent bacteria and fungus from growing in your products.
Organic products don’t have these stabilizers so they can spoil more quickly, but they do have a longer shelf life than you might think if stored properly.
Good news! Organic makeup typically lasts between 12-18 months but can last even longer depending on the ingredients used.
Ingredients like plant based oils may spoil faster than synthetic ones so keep this in mind when buying organic cosmetics.
Some brands will even give you specific directions on how long their product lasts, like Primitive Makeup which recommends using their eye shadow within six months after opening for optimal performance.
How Long Can You Keep Organic Makeup Before It Expires?
The general rule of thumb is that you should replace your makeup every six to twelve months, but this can vary widely depending on the product.
Consider the item and its contents when making your decision.
Mascara expires within just three months, so replace it as soon as you notice a funky smell or feel a burning sensation after application.
Your eyes are very delicate!
If you’re looking at liquid foundation, here’s how long it will last:
- Powder foundation: One year
- Liquid foundation: One year
- Cream foundation: Six months
Here are the expiry dates for eyeliner and shadow products:
- Liquid eyeliner: Three months
- Powder eyeshadow: Two years
- Cream eyeshadow or gel liner: One year For lipsticks and lip glosses, take a close look at the tip. If these products have been around longer than a year (especially if they’ve been opened), toss them immediately.
Learn How To Properly Store Your Organic Makeup
To properly store your organic makeup, make sure you:
1. Store in a cool, dry place
This can mean just about anywhere that’s not a bathroom—especially ones with an open toilet.
2. Keep away from heat and moisture
That means don’t leave it in the sun or by a window and don’t keep it in the car (which is like sitting inside of a heater). A closet shelf is ideal.
3. Keep products in their original packaging
Their boxes are made from recycled paper, which keeps them safe from harmful bacteria.
4. Don’t share your makeup
If you do decide to share your organic makeup with friends, get the new product when they’re gone so as not to contaminate your new purchases!
Why You Shouldn’t Hold Onto Expired Organic Makeup
Disposing of expired makeup is your best bet for a clean and healthy face.
Expired makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria, and the longer you hold on to it, the more dangerous it becomes.
Wearing expired organic makeup can cause eye infections, breakouts, irritation, and rashes.
You wouldn’t wear an old pair of shoes with holes in them for years on end, so don’t do the same to your skin either!
How Is Organic Makeup Made?
Organic makeup is made by people who are focused on the natural ingredients in the formula, which means they avoid synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and other potentially harmful additives.
They also avoid animal products and toxins as well as products that have been tested on animals.
The production process for organic makeup is eco-friendly and sustainable.
Is Organic Makeup Healthier Than Regular Makeup?
Organic makeup is a safer, healthier alternative to regular makeup.
Most makeup is made with harmful chemicals that are not good for your skin.
Organic makeup, on the other hand, is usually made with natural and organic ingredients derived from plant sources, and these ingredients can actually help improve the health of your skin rather than damage it.
There are many different kinds of organic makeup–from mascara to foundation–to choose from.
The only downside to organic makeup is that it can be more expensive compared to regular makeup.
Is Organic Makeup More Expensive?
Yes, organic makeup is generally more expensive than regular makeup for a variety of reasons.
For one thing, organic makeup is less readily available than regular makeup, making it harder to find good deals on the former.
In addition, there are fewer manufacturers producing organic cosmetics versus non-organic ones—this means that there’s less competition in pricing and quality control.
This all contributes to the inflated price tag of many organic items on the market today.
However, if you’re looking to avoid animal testing and get rid of potentially harmful ingredients like parabens or phthalates in your products then you’ll be happy to know that there are some natural alternatives available at a lower price point too!
The key here is going green without having to break the bank.
How Do You Keep Your Organic Makeup From Expiring So Fast?
1. Store your makeup in a cool, dry place
This is especially important for organic makeup, as certain preservatives currently used in most makeup don’t hold up as well in high-humidity areas.
2. Keep your containers closed properly
Even if you believe that the product may be expired, keeping the container tightly capped can extend its shelf life.
3. Wash your hands before touching your face or applying makeup
This helps to prevent bacteria from getting into the product and causing it to spoil faster than usual.
You can also wash your face prior to application and use toner or moisturizer in addition to a primer, as this will help create a protective barrier between the skin and the cosmetic product being applied
Does Organic Makeup Need to Be Refrigerated?
You don’t have to keep your makeup in the fridge. But it’s an option, particularly if you live in a hot or humid climate.
Refrigerating makeup can help extend its shelf life, but it’s not necessary for all brands of organic makeup. A lot of people like to keep at least one beauty product in the fridge.
Organic lipstick, for example, is a great candidate for refrigeration because it hardens and can last much longer than other varieties of lipstick.
Some customers say that refrigerating lipstick has caused their favorite product to change color over time—not necessarily a bad thing if you’d like to add some variety to your stash!
Whatever you choose to do with your organic cosmetics collection, remember that they are best kept in cool, dark places such as drawers and closed shelves.
And be sure to always apply them using clean hands and applicators!
How Can You Know if Your Makeup Has Expired?
You may not be able to tell if your organic makeup has expired by simply looking at the packaging. Most brands don’t put expiration dates on their products, but luckily you can use common sense to tell if it’s past its prime.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Has the product separated or become lumpy? If so, it could be a sign that bacteria has started growing in it.
- Does it have an unusual color, texture or scent? These are all signs that your makeup has been damaged or broken down.
- Did you get a cold sore from using it? This means there was some kind of bacteria inside the container when opened!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, organic cosmetics DO expire so you should be aware that just because the product is all-natural and good for you, it is still susceptible to going bad and it is recommended to replace your products every three months.
